Why Bruno Fernandes Remains Key to Manchester United’s Future
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
Bruno Fernandes Isn’t Done Yet. He’s Still the Heart of Man United
There’s been a lot of noise surrounding Manchester United this summer, new signings, tactical tweaks, and a fresh injection of optimism under Ruben Amorim.
But amidst the excitement and the spending, one truth was laid bare at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey: Bruno Fernandes still matters a lot.
Against West Ham in United’s pre-season opener, Fernandes showed up and reminded everyone why, even with £120 million worth of new attacking talent on the books, he remains the club’s beating heart. Two goals, both capitalising on West Ham’s mistakes, may have earned the headlines. But it was the full scope of his influence that told the real story.
Still the Spark
In a first half that saw United fly out of the blocks, it was Fernandes who spotted the early run of Rasmus Højlund and delivered a perfectly weighted ball. It didn’t result in a goal, as Højlund rattled the post, but it was a sign of intent. Bruno, as always, was alert, creative, and purposeful.
When goalkeeper Alphonse Areola clumsily brought down defender Ayden Heaven in the fifth minute, Fernandes calmly dispatched the penalty. His second, after a sloppy Areola pass was intercepted by Kobbie Mainoo, was classic Bruno - quick thinking, confident execution, and the right amount of flair.
Yet what stood out most was his presence. His constant movement, his quick touches, and his vocal encouragement. This wasn’t a captain easing into pre-season. This was a captain setting the tone.
Leading in More Ways Than One
Manager Ruben Amorim’s post-match praise was telling. “A leader, not just on the field, but off it,” he said. And it’s true. Fernandes brings more than numbers to Man United [though his 19 goals and 19 assists last season are hard to ignore].
He’s the emotional heartbeat of the team, leading with intensity and passion. At times, that passion can spill over into frustration, and it shows. But it’s also what drives him, and often, the team, to push harder, dig deeper, and chase results when things get tough.
Amorim alluded to that very point, noting that Fernandes can occasionally try to do too much, stepping outside his zone in an effort to solve problems not his to solve.
It's a side effect of caring deeply and wearing responsibility like an armband. But with new players like Mbeumo and Cunha joining the fold, Amorim believes Fernandes won’t have to shoulder quite so much on his own in the 2025-26 season.
Evolution, Not Replacement
There’s a temptation in football to move on quickly. New faces, new systems, new eras. Fernandes, 30 this year, might be seen as part of the previous chapter by some. But watching him against West Ham, it’s clear he’s as integral to what’s next.
Amorim’s idea of dropping Fernandes deeper may yet come to pass. Or maybe he’ll stay high, drifting between the lines and finding joy in half-spaces, as he did in the States.
What matters is that he’s adaptable and committed. When Saudi clubs came calling earlier this summer with lavish offers, he stayed. That wasn’t a contractual decision. It was a footballing one. He believes in what’s building at United. And the Red Devils should believe in him right back.
More to Come
If there’s one area where United can rest easy, it’s knowing their captain hasn’t lost a step. Bruno Fernandes remains essential - for what he produces, and for the belief he brings. And as this United team continues to evolve, that may just be the most valuable asset of all.
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